How far is Estherville, IA from Ankeny, IA?
The driving distance from Estherville, IA to Ankeny, IA is about 178.8 miles (287.7 km), with a travel time of about 02h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 131.3 miles (211.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 59m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Webster County, Iowa, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Estherville and Ankeny.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Estherville and Ankeny.
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1
Start on South 9th Street
2829 ft · 1 min · South 9th Street
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2
Continue on State Highway 4
5.9 mi · 9 min · State Highway 4
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3
Continue on State Highway 4
4.7 mi · 6 min · State Highway 4
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4
Continue on 420th Avenue
8.9 mi · 13 min · 420th Avenue
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5
Turn left onto 360th Street
2.9 mi · 4 min · 360th Street
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6
Continue on 450th Avenue
1.6 km · 2 min · 450th Avenue
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7
Continue on Main Street
1.5 km · 2 min · Main Street
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8
Turn right onto Broadway Street
1.6 km · 2 min · Broadway Street
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9
Continue on 460th Avenue
13 mi · 18 min · 460th Avenue
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10
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.1 mi · 15 min · 220th Avenue
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11
Continue on Northwest 7th Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Northwest 7th Street
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12
Continue on 220th Avenue
11.5 mi · 16 min · 220th Avenue
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13
Continue on Marengo Avenue
2317 ft · 39 sec · Marengo Avenue
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14
Continue on North East Street
1.2 km · 1 min · North East Street
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15
Continue on Marengo Avenue
4.3 mi · 6 min · Marengo Avenue
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16
Keep slight left to continue on Marshall Avenue
2.3 mi · 3 min · Marshall Avenue
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17
Take the ramp left toward US 20 East
1749 ft · 48 sec
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18
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 1 hr 4 min
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19
Take the exit slight right toward I 35 South: Des Moines
1.1 km · 1 min
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20
Merge slight left
49.1 mi · 53 min
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21
Take the exit slight right toward 1st Street
1422 ft · 35 sec
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22
Keep slight right
92 m · 9 sec
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23
Turn straight onto East 1st Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · East 1st Street
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24
Turn left onto Southwest Walnut Street
829 ft · 41 sec · Southwest Walnut Street
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25
Turn left onto Southwest 3rd Street
15 m · 2 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
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26
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Southwest 3rd Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Estherville and Ankeny.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 20 East
Merge slight left
55.7 mi · 01h 04m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Estherville and Sunny near Ankeny.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Estherville to Ankeny?
The road trip is about 178.8 miles (287.7 km) and usually takes 02h 59m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Moorland is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.3 miles from Estherville and 89.5 miles from Ankeny.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 131.3 miles (211.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 47.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:32 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.80 one way or $47.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Estherville and Sunny near Ankeny.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Estherville and Ankeny. Straight-line distance: 131.31 mi (211.32 km).
#1 Estherville
City in Iowa
| Population | 5,587 |
| Coordinates | 43.4016300, -94.8327600 |
| Altitude | 395 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ankeny
The most populous city in Polk County, Iowa.
| Population | 70,068 |
| Coordinates | 41.7297100, -93.6057700 |
| Altitude | 302 |
| Country | United States |
End: Southwest 3rd Street (-93.60577, 41.72962)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 288 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.80 | $47.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.84 | $53.67 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.37 | $58.73 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.47 | $66.94 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.